Serbia boosts defence capabilities with Israeli firm's agreement

Serbia has completed a $335 million deal with Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems, marking a significant move in its military modernisation plans.

The agreement includes the purchase of the cutting-edge PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) artillery rocket system and Hermes 900 MALE reconnaissance drones, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This acquisition highlights Serbia's commitment to enhancing its defence strength amid increasing regional tensions and strategic rivalry with neighboring NATO member, Croatia. The PULS system is a flexible platform designed to launch a variety of munitions, with a maximum range of 300 kilometers.

It features two modular PODS that can fire different types of rockets, including the Accular 122 mm (18 rockets, range of 35 km), Accular 160 mm (10 rockets, range of 40 km), EXTRA (4 rockets, range of 150 km), and Predator Hawk (2 rockets, range of 300 km). Its design allows for quick mission execution without the need for repositioning, improving the agility of armed forces.

In addition to the PULS, the Hermes 900 drones will enhance Serbia's surveillance capabilities, offering extended operational range and advanced reconnaissance features. Elbit Systems first revealed the deal in November 2024, though it did not disclose the identity of the European customer. Soon after, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that Serbia had finalized an agreement to purchase advanced artillery and reconnaissance systems, though he did not provide further specifics. His statement effectively confirmed that Serbia was the unnamed buyer mentioned by Elbit Systems. 

This acquisition supports Serbia's strategy to counter the recent military progress of Croatia, which has acquired the American HIMARS system. Vučić highlighted the advanced capabilities of the Israeli systems, positioning the PULS as a direct countermeasure to Croatia's expanding military capabilities. This move underscores Serbia's commitment to maintaining regional stability and strengthening its defense stance. The PULS system stands out for its versatility, allowing integration with existing platforms, which helps minimize maintenance and training costs. 

It also supports advanced munitions like the SkyStriker loitering munitions, which provide long-range precision strike capabilities. These qualities make it a well-rounded solution for armed forces looking to improve operational efficiency. In addition to Serbia, several European countries, including Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany, have also adopted the PULS system, often upgrading it to the Euro-PULS variant. These upgrades typically feature German fire control systems and compatibility with additional non-Elbit weaponry. 

Defense relations between Serbia and Israel have strengthened in recent years. While Israel provided weapons to Bosnian Serbs during the 1990s, Serbia has more recently played a role in facilitating arms and munitions shipments to Israel, reflecting a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. This deal with Elbit Systems marks a significant step in Serbia's defense modernization strategy. 

By Naila Huseynova